Keyboard assembly

ABSTRACT

A shelf bracket is provided. The shelf bracket includes a shelf member and opposing side flanges extending from a back plate. A front flange extends from each of said opposing side flanges. The back plate, shelf member, side flange, and front flange define a cavity configured to receive an enclosure, such as by moving the enclosure in a vertical direction in and out of engagement with the cavity. The shelf member defines a bottom limit of the cavity such that movement of the enclosure into the cavity is limited to a first vertical direction and movement of the enclosure out of the cavity is limited to a second vertical direction, the second vertical direction being diametrically opposed to the first vertical direction. A support flange is optionally included, which is configured to engage with a support structure so as to provide support for the shelf bracket.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/779,800, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,936,087, filedFeb. 3, 2020, for KEYBOARD ASSEMBLY, which claims priority to:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/505,476, filed Jul. 8, 2019,        for KEYBOARD/KEYBOARD ENCLOSURE, which claims priority to U.S.        patent application Ser. No. 15/599,400, now U.S. Pat. No.        10,345,920, filed May 18, 2017, which claims priority to U.S.        Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/508,048, filed May        18, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.        62/338,428, filed May 18, 2016;    -   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/614,843, filed Aug.        23, 2017, for BUMP BAR/KEYPAD SHELF BRACKET; and    -   U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/629,850, filed Dec.        15, 2017, for EXPANDABLE BRACKET, now U.S. Design Pat. No.        D874,250,        the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by        reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to computer user interfaces.More specifically, the present invention relates to a keyboard/keyboardassembly that is particularly well-suited for use in quick serverestaurant environments.

BACKGROUND

Quick serve restaurants utilize many computers for purposes such asinputting orders at a counter and/or completing food orders in akitchen. Many of the computers include a PS/2, serial, USB or othersimilar style input interface. The input interface (keyboard) typicallyincludes a small number of keys (compared to a QWERTY keyboard) thatincludes letters, numbers, symbols or words associated with certainfunctions of the computer (i.e. inputting a customer's order, inputtingcompletion of the order by a kitchen staff person, etc.). As commercialkitchen environments are typically extremely harsh due to hightemperatures, corrosive substances (foods, liquids, etc.), employeeusage/abuse, etc., the computer input interface devices are subjected tosignificant wear and tear.

Many of the input interface devices of the prior art typically includesa two-piece metal enclosure shell (front shell half and rear shell half)for a printed circuit board (PCB). The printed circuit board includesconnectors for a PS/2 cable that connects to a computer, and for aribbon cable that connects to a keypad membrane that is mounted to theouter surface of the enclosure. The PS/2 cable extends through a slot inthe enclosure and is connected to the computer. Installing (orreinstalling/replacing) the PS/2 cable includes disassembling the twohalves of the enclosure shell and inserting the cable into the slot inthe side of one of the halves of the shell. Due to the design of suchprior art metal enclosures, this is a time consuming process, and canresult in damage to the PCB. To overcome disadvantages with the priorart metal enclosures, the instant inventor developed the enclosure ofU.S. Pat. No. 9,016,965 (the “'965 Patent”), the entire disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference. The enclosure of embodimentsof the '965 Patent includes a front shell portion and a rear shellportion, each made of nylon 6. While the enclosure of the '965 Patentprovides many advantages to the metal enclosures of the prior art, manyrestaurants still prefer a metal enclosure, due to a perception thatmetal is more durable than nylon.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a keyboard assembly having a metalenclosure that is easy to assemble/disassemble.

Additionally, many restaurants commonly keep keyboard and similar inputdevices (each a “keyboard”) close to the working surfaces of respectiveworkstations. Many times, the keyboards have but a few optimal locations(and maybe only a single optimal location) relative to a respectiveworkstation. If such keyboards cannot be located in such optimallocation(s), they must be located in sub-optimal locations—such aslocations where customers can view the keyboard (oftentimes not a partof the overall store dress) or in locations where they cannotaccommodate certain workstation or work floor configurations.Furthermore, it is often required or desirable to move or relocate akeyboard, such as during a peak or non-peak times, when new productofferings are introduced (which can be relatively common in certainquick-serve restaurants), when reconfiguration of workstations isrequired or desired, and/or the like. Present keyboard assemblies arelimited in their configurability and reconfigurability to address suchsituations.

Accordingly, there is a need for a mounting system, such as a bracket,that provides for versatility in mounting locations for keyboards.Furthermore, it would be beneficial to have a keyboard assembly that waseasily configurable and reconfigurable to address changing requirementsand recommendations.

SUMMARY

Improved Enclosure

The instant invention provides a keyboard assembly having an enclosure,such as a metal enclosure that is easy to assemble/disassemble. In someembodiments, the enclosure includes a front metal member and a backmetal member that slide-fit together via an interlocking tongue andgroove structure. In some embodiments, the metal front and back are madeof aluminum. End caps are located on each end of the joined front andback members to complete the enclosure. In some embodiments, the endcaps are made of a nylon or other non-metal material. In someembodiments, the end caps include a knock-out area to allow a ribboncable for a keypad membrane that is positioned on the exterior surfaceof the metal front to be extended through the end cap into an interiorof the enclosure, thereby facilitating digital communication with a PCBlocated within the enclosure. In some embodiments, the end cap includesreceiver structure to support the PCB located within the enclosure.

In some embodiments of the inventive concept, the keypad can beprogrammed with “macros” that are stored on the PCB. In this manner, anapp on a computer or other device is utilized to program the macros. Thekeypad is connected to the computer and instructions are uploaded to thekeypad to store a series of characters that are stored in connectionwith each key. In this manner, once the keypad is programmed andconnected to a computer for use, when a user presses a key the series ofcharacters stored on the PCB will be sent from the keypad to thecomputer to which it is connected.

Mounting System—Shelf Bracket

In some embodiments, the keyboard assembly includes a shelf bracket forsupporting one or more enclosure of the present invention and/or theprior art. In some embodiments, the bracket includes a first shelfmember for providing vertical support and a mounting element forsecuring the shelf bracket to a support structure. In some embodiments,the shelf bracket includes a plurality of flanges for preventing orotherwise inhibiting lateral movement of the enclosure relative to theshelf member.

Mounting System—Expandable Bracket

In some embodiments, the keyboard assembly includes an expandablebracket that is configured to selectively engage with an enclosure, suchas the enclosures of U.S. Pat. No. 10,345,920.

The Expandable Bracket of the present invention is configured to securea keyboard enclosure in position relative to a wall or other structure,thereby providing a support structure for the keyboard enclosure. Insome embodiments, a mounting element defines a plurality of aperturesfor securing the Expandable Bracket to the wall or other structure witha screw or other fastening means. It will be appreciated that in otherembodiments the expandable bracket is secured to the wall or otherstructure using one or more other means now known or later developed.

The expandable bracket includes opposed legs having opposed proximal anddistal ends, the proximal end of each leg being coupled to respectiveopposed edges of the back plate of the Expandable Bracket such that theback plate and the opposed legs, together, define a channel. In someembodiments, the expandable bracket is moveable between a relaxedconfiguration and an expanded configuration, thereby facilitatingmovement of the keyboard assembly between an unsecured configuration anda secured configuration, respectively, when the enclosure is in anengaged configuration relative to the expandable bracket. In someembodiments, the expandable bracket prevents or otherwise inhibits theenclosure from moving away from the engaged configuration when thekeyboard assembly is in the secured configuration. In some embodiments,moving the keyboard assembly to the unsecured configuration facilitatesmovement of the enclosure between the engaged configuration and adisengaged configuration, the enclosure being capable of being movedaway from the expandable bracket when it is in the disengagedconfiguration. In some embodiments, the expandable bracket is part of anexpandable bracket assembly comprising a biasing assembly having abiasing member that is moveable between a retracted configuration and adeployed configuration associated with the relaxed configuration and theexpanded configuration of the bracket, respectively. In someembodiments, the expandable bracket is moveable between the relaxedconfiguration and a compressed configuration, such as by applying abiasing load on one or more leg of the bracket so as to move the legstowards each other, thereby facilitating movement of the enclosurebetween the engaged and disengaged configurations.

The foregoing and other objects are intended to be illustrative of theinvention and are not meant in a limiting sense. Many possibleembodiments of the invention may be made and will be readily evidentupon a study of the following specification and accompanying drawingscomprising a part thereof. Various features and subcombinations ofinvention may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations. Other objects and advantages of this invention willbecome apparent from the following description taken in connection withthe accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustrationand example, an embodiment of this invention and various featuresthereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best modein which the applicant has contemplated applying the principles, is setforth in the following description and is shown in the drawings and isparticularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appendedclaims.

Improved Enclosure

FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a keyboard enclosure of anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of a keyboard enclosure of an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded rear perspective view of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded front perspective view of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first longitudinal edge of a PCBengaged with a longitudinal slot of a front shell of an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a PCB engaged with end caps of anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing an indexing feature of a PCB engagedwith an indexing feature of a front shell of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a keyboard enclosure of an embodiment of thepresent invention with a keyboard overlay positioned on a front surfaceof the enclosure.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a button for a keypad membrane of onepreferred embodiment of the instant invention in which multiple leads ofdifferent dimensions are utilized on the front side of each button.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a keypad cover for a keyboardenclosure of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are rear and front, respectively, plan views of a keypadmembrane of an embodiment of the instant invention in which two parallelfront leads are connected to each button/switch.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention.

Mounting System—Shelf Bracket

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a shelfbracket of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an enclosure engaged with theshelf bracket of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 16 is a top view of the bracket of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the bracket of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 18A is a rear elevation view of the bracket of FIG. 14

FIG. 18B is a front elevation view of the bracket of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of a shelfbracket of the present invention.

Mounting System—Expandable Bracket

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an expandablebracket assembly of a keyboard assembly of the present invention, abracket of the bracket assembly shown engaged with a back plate of anenclosure of the keyboard assembly, the backplate being shown in atranslucent state so as to show certain features associated with thekeyboard assembly being in a secured configuration.

FIG. 21 is a front view of the bracket of FIG. 20 , the rear view beinga mirror image thereof.

FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of a first side of the bracket of FIG.20 .

FIG. 23 is a side elevation view of a second side of the bracket of FIG.20 .

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the bracket of FIG. 20 .

FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of the bracket of FIG. 20 .

FIG. 26 is a sectional view taken from FIG. 20 , a biasing member of thebracket assembly shown in a deployed configuration and the bracket shownin an expanded configuration.

FIG. 27 is a sectional view similar to the sectional view of FIG. 26 ,the biasing member shown in a retracted configuration and the bracketshown in a relaxed configuration.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view similar to the sectional view of FIG. 26 ,the biasing member shown in a retracted configuration and the bracketshown in a compressed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, a detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiment ismerely exemplary of the principles of the invention, which may beembodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functionaldetails disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, butmerely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presentinvention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Keyboard/Keyboard Enclosure

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7 a keyboard enclosure 10 of a firstembodiment of the instant invention is shown. The keyboard enclosure ofthe first embodiment includes a front shell portion 12 and a rear shellportion 14, each of which is preferably made of a lightweight, durablematerial, such as aluminum.

The front 12 and rear 14 shells are configured for selective engagementwith each other, thereby defining a cavity 200 for holding one or morePCB 20. In some embodiments, the keyboard enclosure 10 further includesone or more end cap 300, such as a common end cap, a cable end cap, abattery end cap, or the like. In some embodiments, a first end cap 300is configured to selectively engage with a first end of the keyboardenclosure 10, thereby selectively enclosing the one or more PCB withinthe cavity 200.

In some embodiments a profile of a first end of the front shell 12defines at least part of a pass-through slot 15 for a ribbon cable 32 ofa keypad 30 to extend. In some such embodiments, a first edge of thepass-through slot is defined by the front shell and an opposed secondedge of the pass-through slot is defined by an end cap 300. In this way,the ribbon cable 32 is secured within the pass-through slot 15 when theend cap is secured to the front shell 12 and can be readily moved intoand out of the pass-through slot 15 when the end cap is disengaged fromthe front cap 12. In some embodiments, at least part of the pass-throughslot 15 is defined by the end cap 300. In this way, more or lessclearance for one or more ribbon can be provided by replacing a firstend cap with a second end cap.

In some embodiments, the front shell 12, the back shell 14, and/or oneor more end cap defines one or more speaker hole 17 extending into thecavity 200 of the keyboard enclosure 10. In this way, sound is allowedto pass through the speaker holes 17 from a speaker mounted to the PCB20 or otherwise located within the interior cavity 200 of the keyboardenclosure 10.

The PCB 20 is configured to selectively engage with the first shell 12,the second shell 14, and/or one or more end cap 300 so as secure the PCBwithin the cavity 200 of the keyboard enclosure 10. In some embodiments,the first shell 12 defines opposed longitudinal slots for selectiveengagement with opposed longitudinal edges of the PCB 20. In this way,the PCB 20 is capable of selective engagement with the first shell 12 byinserting first ends of the opposed edges of the PCB into respectiveslots of the front shell 12 and sliding the PCB 20 longitudinallyrelative to the first shell 12. In some such embodiments, one or moreindexing feature 121 of the enclosure 10 provides an indication of whenthe PCB 20 is moved into a proper position. In other such embodiments,one or more feature of the enclosure, such as one or more feature of anend cap 300, is configured to selectively retain the PCB at one or moreposition.

Referring to FIG. 5 , some embodiments of the first shell 12 define alongitudinal slot 120 and an opposed longitudinal ledge 122. In somesuch embodiments, the opposed slot 120 and ledge 122 are configured tointerface with opposed first and second longitudinal edges of a PCB 20,respectively. In this way, the first longitudinal edge of the PCB 20 iscapable of selective engagement with the longitudinal slot 120, therebyallowing the second longitudinal edge of the PCB 20 to be rotated intoselective engagement with the longitudinal ledge 122. In some suchembodiments, the first shell 12 includes one or more indexing feature121, such as a notch, associated with one or more indexing feature 21 ofthe PCB 20, such as a light emitting diode, a speaker, or other featureof, extending from, or engaging with the PCB 20. In this way, the PCB 20can be positioned longitudinally relative to the first shell 12 prior torotating the PCB into position. In some embodiments, one or more featureof the enclosure 10 is configured to selectively prevent the PCB fromsliding along the longitudinal slot 120 and/or from rotating away fromthe longitudinal ledge 122. In some such embodiments, the rear shell 14includes a longitudinal ledge (not shown) that is configured toselectively engage with the second edge of the PCB 20 so as to preventthe PCB from rotating away from the longitudinal ledge 122 of the firstshell 12. In this way, the PCB is at least partially secured within theinterior cavity 200 of the enclosure 10 when the rear shell 14 issecured to the front shell 12.

In some embodiments, a first end cap 300 is configured to extend intothe interior cavity 200 of the enclosure 10 when the first end cap 300is secured to a first end of the enclosure 10. In some such embodiments,a distal end of the first end cap 300 defines one or more slot 320 forselective engagement with a first end of the PCB 20. In this way, thefirst end cap 300 is capable of preventing or otherwise inhibiting thePCB from moving longitudinally towards the first end of the enclosure10. In some such embodiments, a distal end of a second end cap 300 isconfigured to selectively engage with a second end of the PCB 20 so asto similarly prevent or otherwise inhibit the PCB from movinglongitudinally towards a second end of the enclosure 10. In other suchembodiments, one or more feature of the front 12 or rear 14 shell and/orone or more other feature of the enclosure 10, first end cap 300, and/orPCB 20 is configured to prevent or otherwise inhibit the PCB 20 frommoving longitudinally towards the second end of the enclosure 10. Insome embodiments, one or more end cap 300 is configured to selectivelyprevent the PCB 20 from translating laterally and/or vertically and/orfrom rotating, such as rotating relative to a longitudinal axis of thekeyboard enclosure 10.

In some embodiments the front shell 12 defines opposed grooves 126 andthe rear shell 14 defines corresponding opposed tongues 146 that areconfigured for selective engagement with respective grooves 126 of thefront shell 12. In this way, the keyboard enclosure 10 is moveable froma disassembled configuration to an assembled configuration by insertinga first end of the tongues 146 into a second end of the grooves 126 andmoveable between an open configuration and a closed configuration bysliding the front 12 and rear 14 shells relative to each other. In somesuch embodiments, the shells are configured to slide relative to eachother while a PCB 20 is positioned therebetween, thereby allowing forselectively enclosing the PCB 20 within the interior cavity 200 of thekeyboard enclosure 10 and/or selectively removing the PCB 20 from theinterior cavity 200 of the keyboard enclosure 10. It will be appreciatedthat in other embodiments the front shell 12 defines opposed tongues andthe rear shell defines opposed grooves and/or the front 12 and/or rear14 shells define other corresponding features for facilitating selectiveengagement of the front 12 and rear 14 shells. In some such embodiments,the closed configuration of the enclosure 10 defines one or more openend, one or more such open end being configured to receive an end cap300. In other such embodiments, moving the enclosure 10 to the closedconfiguration includes moving a first end of the rear shell 14 intoselective engagement with a first end cap 300 secured to a first end ofthe front shell 12 and/or moving a second end of the front shell 12 intoselective engagement with a second end cap 300 secured to a second endof the rear shell 14.

In some embodiments, at least one end cap 300 is a cable end capdefining a slot for selectively receiving a cable, thereby allowing thecable to extend into the interior cavity 200 of the keyboard enclosure10. In this way, the PCB 20 is capable of being in electrical and/ordata communication with an outside source, such as a power grid and/or acomputer system. In some embodiments, the cable end cap defines one ormore feature, such as an S-channel, for selectively securing the cable,thereby preventing or otherwise inhibiting the cable from disconnectingfrom the PCB 20 and/or otherwise damaging the PCB. In some embodiments,the cable end cap defines a large void for receiving one or more loop ofthe cable, thereby providing slack so as to eliminate or otherwisereduce risk of damage to the PCB 20 and/or disconnection of the cablefrom the PCB 20.

In some embodiments, the PCB 20 is capable of wireless datacommunication with one or more data source, thereby eliminating the needfor a data cable. In some such embodiments, the PCB 20 includes one ormore battery terminal, thereby eliminating the need for a power cable.In some embodiments, the PCB is configured such that the enclosure 10must be in the open or disassembled configuration to remove, install,and/or replace batteries. In other embodiments, one or more end cap 300is a battery end cap that is configured to receive one or more battery,thereby allowing one or more battery to extend towards the PCB 20 forselective engagement with one or more respective battery terminal. Insome embodiments, batteries are removable by removing the battery endcap while the enclosure 10 is in the closed configuration. In some suchembodiments, the battery end cap includes a battery door that ismoveable from an open configuration and a closed configuration. In theopen configuration, the battery door allows one or more battery to beremoved from the enclosure 10, installed in the enclosure 10, and/orotherwise replaced. In the closed configuration, the battery doorretains the batteries relative to respective battery terminals of thePCB 20, thereby facilitating electrical communication with the PCB 20.

In some embodiments, the battery end cap is configured to selectivelyengage a first portion of each battery, with a second portion of eachbattery extending freely from the battery end cap towards respectivebattery terminals of the PCB 20. In this way, the battery end capprovides sufficient structure to position and align each battery withits respective battery terminal while eliminating or otherwise reducingthe risk of one or more battery becoming lodged within the battery endcap. In some such embodiments, the first portion of the battery istwo-thirds of the overall length of the battery.

In some embodiments, a front surface of the front shell 12 defines arecessed area 18 that is configured to receive a keypad 30. In some suchembodiments, opposed longitudinal edges of the recessed area 18 areconfigured to interface with opposed longitudinal edges of the keypad30, thereby preventing or otherwise inhibiting the keypad 30 fromtranslating in a lateral direction when the keypad 30 is positioned inthe recessed area 18. In some such embodiments, opposed end caps eachdefine opposed lateral edges of the recessed area, thereby preventing orotherwise inhibiting the keypad 30 from translating in a longitudinaldirection within the recessed area 18 when the end caps are engaged withthe first shell 12. In other such embodiments, at least one lateral edgeof the recessed area 18 is defined by the front shell 12. In someembodiments, a top surface of the keypad 30 is flush with or is slightlyoffset below non-recessed portion of the front surface of the frontshell 12.

In some embodiments, the keypad 30 includes embossed buttons for eachkey, instead of metal domes. In some embodiments, the buttons areconnected together in parallel and each button includes at least twofront side leads. FIGS. 11 and 12 show an embodiment of the instantinvention that includes two front side leads 38 a and 38 b to eachbutton 34. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , only a singleback side lead 36 is connected to each button 34 (see FIG. 11 ); howeverit will be appreciated that a plurality of leads may also be connectedto the back side without departing from the spirit and scope of theinstant invention. Referring to FIG. 9 another embodiment of the instantinvention is shown in which four front side leads 138 a, 138 b, 138 cand 138 d are connected to each button 134. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 9 , each front side lead for each button includes connectionsections of four varying dimensions to create four different resistancesduring flexing caused by pressing of the buttons. This results indecreased wear on the connections.

In some embodiments, the keyboard 30 includes twenty (20) distinct keys.In some such embodiments, keys of the twenty-key keyboard are orientedin a 2 by 10 configuration and are in data communication with thirteen(13) distinct pins of a pin header of the PCB 20. In other embodiments,the keyboard 30 includes thirty (30) distinct keys. In some suchembodiments, keys of the thirty-key keyboard are oriented in a 3 by 10configuration and are in data communication with fourteen (14) distinctpins of a pin header of the PCB 20. In some embodiments, the PCB 20 isconfigured to selectively accommodate a twenty-key or a thirty-keykeyboard by selectively accommodating a thirteen-pin or a fourteen-pinreceptacle of the keyboard, respectively.

In some embodiments, the keypad membrane 30 is covered by a covermembrane 40. In some such embodiments, the cover membrane 40 includesone or more clear window section. The edges of the cover membrane 40 aresecured to the front surface of front shell 12 and includes an open slot45 to allow a keypad card 42 to be moved to (or away from) a firstposition by inserting (or removing) the keypad card 42 between the rearof the cover membrane 40 and the front of the keypad membrane 30 whilethe keypad membrane 30 is in a respective first position. In someembodiments, the keyboard is configured to retain the keypad membrane 30in its first position while one or more keypad card 42 is moved betweenits first position and a second position. In some embodiments, movingthe keypad card 42 to its second position comprises moving the keypadcard 42 away from the keyboard, such as by sliding the keypad card 42through the open slot 45 and away from the keypad membrane 30. In someembodiments, the cover membrane 40 is configured to selectively receiveone or more keypad card 42, positioning the keypad card 42 relative tothe keypad 30. In some embodiments, the keypad card 42 includes numbers,symbols, words, etc. that associate with the function that is to beperformed by the pressing of a key. In one embodiment, a keypad cover 48(shown in FIG. 10 selectively engages with the keyboard enclosure 10once the entire enclosure 10, keypad 30, and cover membrane 40 areassembled. In some embodiments, the keypad cover 48 is made of a polymermaterial that includes enough flexibility to allow the keypad cover 48to snap around the assembled keyboard enclosure 10. The keypad coverhelps to protect the keypad 30 and the keyboard enclosure 10 and alsoallows the keyboard enclosure 10 to fit within a variety of differentmounting brackets, such as those that are commonly used in therestaurant industry.

The present invention further includes methods of assembling a keyboardenclosure 10. In some embodiments, the method includes moving a firstlongitudinal edge of a PCB 20 into selective engagement with alongitudinal slot 120 of a front shell 12 of the enclosure 10, therebyrestraining the PCB 20 in a first degree of translational freedom, afirst degree of rotational freedom, and a first direction along a seconddegree of translational freedom. In some such embodiments, the methodfurther includes positioning an indexing feature of the PCB relative toan indexing feature of the enclosure. In this way, the method includespositioning the PCB along a third degree of translational freedom,thereby providing positional references along each of the threetranslational degrees of freedom. In some embodiments, the respectiveindexing features restrain the PCB along the third degree of freedomwhile the first longitudinal edge of the PCB 20 is engaged with thelongitudinal slot 120 of the front shell 12. In other embodiments, oneor more other feature, such as one or more feature of the front 12 orrear 14 shell and/or one or more feature of one or more end cap isutilized to position and/or restrain the PCB along the third degree oftranslational freedom. In some embodiments, the indexing feature isdefined by one or more slot 320 defined by one or more end cap 300.

The method further includes installing a rear shell 14 to the frontshell 12. In some embodiments, a second longitudinal edge of the PCB 20is rotated towards a longitudinal ledge 122 of the front shell 12 priorto installing the rear shell 14 to the front shell 12. In some suchembodiments, a longitudinal ledge of the rear shell 14 retains thesecond longitudinal edge of the PCB 20 in close proximity to thelongitudinal ledge 122 of the front shell 12, thereby restraining thePCB in a second degree of rotational freedom. In some embodiments, thefront 12 and rear 14 shells form a second longitudinal slot betweenrespective longitudinal ledges, thereby restraining the PCB in a secondand third degree of rotational freedom and further restraining the PCBin a second direction along the second degree of translational freedom.In other embodiments, one or more end cap 300 engages with one or moreend of the PCB 20 so as inhibit or otherwise prevent the PCB 20 frommoving relative to the front shell 20 in the first, second, and/or thirddegrees of translational and/or rotational freedom.

In some embodiments, the method of assembling the keyboard enclosure 10includes engaging opposed tongues 146 of the rear shell 14 withcorresponding opposed grooves 126 of the front shell 12 and sliding therear shell 14 relative to the front shell 12 until a first end of therear shell 14 is aligned with a first end of the front shell 12, therebymoving the enclosure 10 to a closed configuration. In some embodiments,a first end cap 300 secured to the first end of the front shell 12provides a stop for preventing the first end of the rear shell 14 fromsliding beyond the first end of the front shell 12. In some embodiments,a first end cap 300 is secured to the rear shell 14, such as with screwsextending through a rear wall of the rear shell 14. In otherembodiments, a first end cap 300 is secured to the front shell 12, suchas with screws extending through a side wall of the front shell 12. Instill other embodiments, the first end cap 300 is secured to the front12 and rear 14 shells, such as with screws extending through respectiveside walls of the front 12 and rear 14 shells and/or through respectivefront, side, and/or rear walls of respective shells.

In some embodiments, the method of assembling the keyboard enclosure 10includes engaging a first end of the rear shell 14 with a second end ofthe front shell 12 and sliding the shells relative to each other untilone or more end of each shell is moved into a predetermined positionrelative to the other shell, such as by aligning respective first and/orsecond ends of respective shells. In some embodiments, a second end cap300 secured to the second end of the rear shell 14 provides a stop forpreventing the second end of the front shell 12 from sliding beyond thesecond end of the rear shell 14. In some such embodiments, the secondend cap 300 is secured to the rear shell, such as with screws extendingthrough a rear or side wall of the rear shell 14. In some embodiments, asecond end cap 300 is further secured to the front shell 12, such aswith screws extending through a front or side wall of the front shell12, thereby locking the front 12 and rear 14 shells into relativeposition with each other.

Mounting System—Shelf Bracket

In some embodiments, the keyboard assembly includes a shelf bracket 500for supporting an enclosure 10, the shelf bracket 500 comprises a shelfmember 510 for providing vertical support for the enclosure. In someembodiments, the shelf member is cantilevered from a back plate 530,such as a back plate 530 that is configured to prevent or otherwiseinhibit movement of the enclosure in an aft direction. In someembodiments, the shelf bracket 500 comprises a support flange 535extending from the back plate 530 of the shelf bracket, at least one ofthe support flange 535 and the back plate 530 being configured to engagewith a support structure so as to provide support for the shelf bracket.In some embodiments, the shelf member 510 extends in a first directionfrom a first edge of the back plate 530 and the support flange 530extends in a second direction from a second edge of the back plate 530,the first and second edges of the back plate 530 being opposed to eachother and the first and second directions being diametrically opposed toeach other.

In some embodiments, the shelf bracket 500 includes one or more sideflange 520, such as a side flange extending from a back plate of theshelf bracket, each side flange being configured to prevent or otherwiseinhibit movement of the enclosure in a respective lateral direction. Insome embodiments, the shelf bracket 500 includes one or more frontflange 525, such as a front flange extending from a respective sideflange of the shelf bracket, each front flange being configured toprevent or otherwise inhibit movement of the enclosure in a respectivelateral direction. In some embodiments, the shelf member defines acavity that is configured to receive an enclosure, such as by moving theenclosure in a vertical direction in and out of engagement with thecavity.

In some embodiments, one or more plate, flange, or other feature of theshelf bracket prevents or otherwise inhibits movement of the enclosurein one or more respective lateral direction without inhibiting movementof the enclosure in a vertical direction, thereby facilitating movementof the enclosure in and out of a cavity of the shelf bracket. In someembodiments, the shelf bracket comprises a shelf member defining abottom limit of the cavity such that movement of the enclosure into thecavity is limited to a first vertical direction and movement of theenclosure out of the cavity is limited to a second vertical direction,the second vertical direction being diametrically opposed to the firstvertical direction.

Mounting System—Expandable Bracket

Referring to FIG. 20 , in some embodiments, an expandable bracket 400 isincluded. In some embodiments, the expandable bracket 400 is intended tosecure a keyboard enclosure in position relative to a wall or otherstructure, thereby providing a support mechanism for the enclosure. Insome embodiments, the expandable bracket 400 attaches to an enclosure,such as by way of attaching to a rear shell 14 of the enclosure. In someembodiments, a mounting element, such as a back plate 430, defines oneor more attachment feature, such as a plurality of apertures 440, forsecuring the Expandable Bracket 400 to a wall or other supportstructure, such as by extending a screw or other fastening means throughthe attachment feature and into the support structure. It will beappreciated that in other embodiments the expandable bracket 400 issecured to the support structure using one or more other means now knownor later developed.

The expandable bracket 400 includes opposed legs 410, 420 having opposedproximal and distal ends, the proximal end of each leg 410, 420 beingcoupled to respective opposed edges of the back plate 430 of theExpandable Bracket 400 such that the back plate 430 and the opposed legs410, 420, together, define a channel. In some embodiments, the distalend of each leg 410, 420 defines a flange or other engagement feature412, 422, such engagement features 412, 422 being configured toselectively engage with an engagement mechanism of the enclosure, suchas by way of engaging with a respective lip or other respectiveengagement feature of the engagement mechanism. In some embodiments, theengagement mechanism coupled to, defined by, or otherwise associatedwith a rear shell 14 of an enclosure.

In some embodiments the Expandable Bracket 400 includes one or morebiasing assembly 450 for biasing the distal ends of the opposed legs410, 420 away from each other, thereby biasing the engagement features412, 422 of each leg 410, 420 into engagement with a respectiveengagement feature of the enclosure. In this way, the Expandable Bracket400 can be expanded into engagement with the enclosure, thereby movingthe keyboard assembly to a secured configuration.

In some embodiments, the biasing assembly includes a biasing member 452,such as is a screw or a bolt. In some embodiments, the biasing member452 engages with a first leg 410 of the opposed legs of the ExpandableBracket 400, such as a by engaging with a fixed member 454 of thebiasing assembly 450. It will be appreciated that certain embodiments ofthe fixed member 454 comprise and/or define a threaded aperture 414defined by the first leg 410, a threaded insert extending through anaperture 414 of the first leg 410, a nut or other threaded item 454coupled to the first leg 410, and/or the like. It will be appreciatedthat in some embodiments the biasing member 452 defines external threadsand the fixed member 454 defines corresponding internal threads suchthat rotating the biasing member relative to the fixed member causesbiasing member to move between deployed and retracted configurations. Insome embodiments, the fixed member 454 is positioned against an innersurface of the first leg 410. In some embodiments, a distal end of thebiasing member 452 engages with an inner surface of a second leg 420 ofthe opposed legs of the Expandable Bracket 400 when the biasing memberis in the deployed configuration. In some embodiments, the distal end ofthe biasing member 452 is configured to engage with a recessed area 426of the inner surface of the second leg 420. In some such embodiments, anouter surface of the second leg 420 defines one or more boss such thatthe inner surface of the second leg 420 defines one or more respectiverecessed area 426. In other such embodiments, the second leg 420 definesa first thickness at the center of the recessed area 426 and a secondthickness adjacent to the recessed area 426, the second thickness beinggreater than the first thickness.

In some embodiments, the biasing member 452 extends through a first leg410 towards a second leg 420 with a distal end of the biasing member 452being displaced from the second leg 420 when the biasing member 452 isin a retracted configuration. In some embodiments, moving the biasingmember 452 from the retracted configuration towards the deployedconfiguration comprises moving the distal end of the biasing member 452into engagement with the second leg 420, such as by twisting a screw ora bolt. In some embodiments, the biasing member 452 is configured toexpand the expandable bracket 400 by continuing to move the biasingmember 452 away from its disengaged configuration while the biasingmember 452 is in the deployed configuration, thereby moving the bracket400 from a relaxed configuration to an expanded configuration. In thisway, the biasing member 452 is configured to bias the opposed legs 410,420 of the Expandable Bracket 400 away from each other, therebyexpanding distal ends of the legs 410, 420 into engagement with a rearshell 14 of an enclosure so as to move the keyboard assembly from anunsecured configuration to a secured configuration.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments moving the biasingmember 452 to its retracted configuration enables the opposed legs 410,420 to move towards each other, thereby moving the keyboard assemblyfrom the secured configuration to the unsecured configuration. In thisway, the enclosure can be moved between engaged and disengagedconfigurations relative to the bracket. In some embodiments, theenclosure is prevented or otherwise inhibited from moving away from theengaged configuration when the keyboard assembly is in the securedconfiguration. In some embodiments, the bracket is moveable from therelaxed configuration to a contracted configuration, such as by biasingthe distal ends of the first and second legs towards each other, therebyfacilitating movement of the enclosure in and out of engagement with thebracket.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because suchterms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadlyconstrued. Moreover, the description and illustration of the inventionsis by way of example, and the scope of the inventions is not limited tothe exact details shown or described.

Although the foregoing detailed description of the present invention hasbeen described by reference to an exemplary embodiment, and the bestmode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has been shownand described, it will be understood that certain changes, modificationor variations may be made in embodying the above invention, and in theconstruction thereof, other than those specifically set forth herein,may be achieved by those skilled in the art without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention, and that such changes, modificationor variations are to be considered as being within the overall scope ofthe present invention. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover thepresent invention and any and all changes, modifications, variations, orequivalents that fall with in the true spirit and scope of theunderlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. Consequently, thescope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by theattached claims, all matter contained in the above description and shownin the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative andnot in a limiting sense.

Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of theinvention, the manner in which the invention is constructed and used,the characteristics of the construction, and advantageous, new anduseful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices,elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in theappended claims.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended tocover all of the generic and specific features of the invention hereindescribed, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as amatter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shelf bracket for supporting an enclosure, the shelf bracket comprising: a back plate having opposed first and second side edges; a shelf member extending from said back plate; and first and second side flanges extending from respective first and second side edges of said back plate, wherein said shelf member and said first and second side flanges each extend in a first direction, and wherein said back plate, said shelf member, and said first and second side flanges define a cavity, said cavity being configured to selectively receive the enclosure.
 2. The shelf bracket of claim 1, further comprising first and second front flanges extending from said first and second side flanges, respectively, wherein said first and second front flanges further define said cavity.
 3. The shelf bracket of claim 2, wherein the back plate is configured to inhibit movement of the enclosure in at least one direction.
 4. The shelf bracket of claim 2, wherein the shelf member extends from a bottom edge of the back plate and is configured to provide vertical support for the enclosure.
 5. The shelf bracket of claim 4, wherein the shelf member defines a bottom limit of the cavity and wherein the shelf bracket is configured such that movement of the enclosure into the cavity is limited to a first vertical direction and movement of the enclosure out of the cavity is limited to a second vertical direction, the second vertical direction being diametrically opposed to the first vertical direction.
 6. The shelf bracket of claim 2, wherein each of said first and second side flanges extend from a bottom portion of respective first and second side edges of said back plate.
 7. The shelf bracket of claim 6, wherein each of said first and second side flanges extend further from said back plate than said shelf member extends from said back plate.
 8. The shelf bracket of claim 2, wherein said backplate comprises a top portion and a bottom portion, said top portion of said backplate extending from a top edge of said backplate to respective top edges of said first and second side flange.
 9. The shelf bracket of claim 2, wherein each of said first and second side flanges is configured to prevent or otherwise inhibit movement of the enclosure in at least one direction, that direction being a different direction than a direction of inhibition of said back plate.
 10. The shelf bracket of claim 9, wherein each of said first and second front flanges are configured to prevent or otherwise inhibit movement of the enclosure in at least one direction, wherein that direction is different than a direction of inhibition of said back plate and the direction of inhibition of each of said first and second side flanges.
 11. The shelf bracket of claim 2, further comprising a support flange extending from a top edge of said back plate, wherein said shelf member extends from a bottom edge of said backplate, and wherein said support flange extends in a second direction, the second direction being diametrically opposed to the first direction.
 12. The shelf bracket of claim 11, wherein at least one of said back plate and said support flange defines an aperture for receiving a fastener, thereby facilitating engagement of the shelf bracket with a support structure so as to provide support for the shelf bracket.
 13. The shelf bracket of claim 11, wherein said shelf member, said support flange, and each of said first and second side flanges are each cantilevered from said back plate.
 14. The shelf bracket of claim 13, wherein each of said first and second front flanges are cantilevered from its respective side flange, and wherein the shelf bracket is formed from a single piece of material.
 15. A method of supporting an enclosure, the method comprising: securing a shelf bracket to a support member; and moving the enclosure in a vertical direction into engagement with said shelf bracket, wherein said shelf bracket comprises: a back plate; a shelf member extending in a first direction from a first edge of said back plate; and opposing first and second side flanges extending in the first direction from opposing side edges of said back plate, said opposing side edges of said back plate differing from said first edge.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the shelf bracket further comprises first and second front flanges extending from first and second side flanges, respectively, wherein said back plate, said shelf member, said first and second side flanges, and first and second front flanges define a cavity, and wherein said cavity is configured to selectively receive the enclosure.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein moving the enclosure in a vertical direction into engagement with the shelf bracket includes moving the enclosure into the cavity.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the back plate is configured to inhibit the movement of the enclosure in a first direction, at least one of said first and second side flanges is configured to inhibit the movement of the enclosure in at least a second direction, and at least one of said first and second front flanges is configured to inhibit the movement of the enclosure in at least a third direction when the enclosure is within the cavity, wherein said first, second, and third directions differ.
 19. A method of forming a shelf bracket, the method comprising: preparing a blank from a single sheet of material, wherein said blank comprises: a back panel having opposed top and bottom edges extending between opposed first and second side edges, thereby defining a back plate of the shelf bracket a bottom panel extending from at least a portion of the bottom edge of the back panel, and a first and second side panels extending from at least a portion of respective first and second side edge of the back panel, and rotating the bottom panel about the bottom edge of the back panel until the bottom panel is perpendicular to the back panel, thereby forming a shelf member of the shelf bracket; and rotating the first and second side panels about respective first and second side edges of the first back panel until the first and second side panels are perpendicular with the back panel, thereby forming first and second side flanges of the shelf bracket; wherein said back plate, said shelf member, and said first and second side flanges, together, define a cavity, said cavity being configured to selectively receive an enclosure.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the blank further comprises first and second front panels extending from respective distal ends of respective first and second side panels, and wherein the method further comprises: rotating the first front panel about the distal end of the first side panel until the first front panel is perpendicular to the first front panel, thereby forming a first front flange of the shelf bracket; and rotating the second front panel about the distal end of the second side panel until the second front panel is perpendicular to the second front panel, thereby forming a second front flange of the shelf bracket, wherein said first front flange and said second front flange further define said cavity. 